Carol Snell Duggan, left a legacy of love

Carol Duggan, a long-time ray of sunshine in the Lewes community, and most recently in Winter Haven, Fla., passed away unexpectedly in her home Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 14, 1943, Carol was a frequent visitor to Delaware beaches with her parents and her children. She and her family planted roots in the area in 1972, creating a legacy that won't soon be forgotten.

Shortly after the move, her wood-paneled Chevy Caprice Classic could be spotted at the Safeway in Rehoboth where she was a manager for many years. Carol had an infectious smile and a compassion for people that were unmatched, not to mention her keen eye for a good bargain. The grocery store industry would carry her to 2007 when she retired from the Giant and moved south to Winter Haven.

During her time in Lewes, she raised three blue-eyed blondes who adopted the same contagious personalities. To Cynthia, Steven and Michael Snell she was “Mom,” but through the years she became “Mom Snell” to many. Her red-roofed, yellow rancher in Covey Creek was the place where all were welcome and none left hungry.

Carol married Duke Duggan, one of the most colorful characters in the resort area, in 1991, and together they opened Duggan's restaurant and bar on Rehoboth Avenue. They sold the restaurant in 1994.

Grammy Duggan lived for the smiles on her grandchildren's faces. Her oldest, Jessie and Jake Dmiterchik, received frequent freestyle lessons in the backyard pool, enough packs of orange Tic Tacs to feed an army, and polka dancing across the kitchen was a household norm.

After retiring to Winter Haven, Carol spent precious time with her youngest grandchildren, Zoie and Will Snell, who benefitted from the Tic Tac tradition too.

Carol left a legacy of love in Winter Haven just as she did in Lewes. This time, though, it was through her unwavering commitment to supplying the water aerobics boom box, and for her enthusiasm after breaking even in Bingo. She was a social butterfly with a magnetic personality, and she spent her time with friends who loved and cared for her as family. Carol's quick-witted spunk, contagious spirit and infinite love meant so much to so many people, both near and far.

She is preceded in death by her son Mike Snell; husband Duke Duggan; and brother Ed Rojewski. She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Snell Dmiterchik and her husband Mike; son Steve Snell and his wife Michelle; grandchildren, Jessie and Jake Dmiterchik, and Zoie and Will Snell; sister Dorothy Smith and her husband Jack; and four nieces and four nephews.

Carol will be cremated in Winter Haven and a Mass will be held in her honor Saturday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 532 Ave. M NW, Winter Haven. All are welcome.